UAE internet restrictions ‘an international embarrassment’, FNC member says

Internet restrictions such as the new block on voice calls via the popular Snapchat app are an international embarrassment to the UAE, the Federal National Council’s youngest member said on Tuesday.

Saeed Al Remeithi, 32, said the UAE should have the same online rules as any developed country and all features should be open to everyone.

“Any person who uses any app or video pays Etisalat a lot of money, and if we calculate what is downloaded from the web, or any call, it is a lot," he told the council.

“So the issue of limiting technologies is very important."

The United Nations “considered the internet a human right, and it should be available for everyone on an international level", he said. “As UAE representatives we are embarrassed in the international federation by this issue."

The FNC session was questioning Hamad Al Mansouri, head of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

Many online services offer voice calls over the internet, but in the UAE these functions are restricted to the two licensed telecoms operators, Etisalat and du.

Amnesty International has earlier warned that government attacks on the encryption of online communication threaten human rights around the world.

“Encryption is a basic prerequisite for privacy and free speech in the digital age. Banning encryption is like banning envelopes and curtains. It takes away a basic tool for keeping your private life private,” said Sherif Elsayed-Ali, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Global Issues.

“Governments trying to undermine encryption should think twice before they open this Pandora’s Box. Weakening privacy online could have disastrous consequences for free societies, particularly for the human rights activists and journalists who hold our leaders to account.”